Jambo rafiki!
As you may already know, I’m currently in South Africa where I just got back from the bush in Pilanesberg National Park. Instead of giving you my typical “safari destinations tips”, I thought I’d do it a little differently this time. That is to say, expect to see lots of pictures rather than the usual “blabla” words. 
Although this time of the year (December) is summer time in the country, the season is associated with high rainfall. Rain is great for nature, crops and wildlife in general…however, it is not necessarily ideal when it comes to game viewing.
The high water availability means that the animals tend to spread out throughout the park, making it somewhat even more challenging to see them. I love to play hide and seek, but I must admit it was quite a dare this time around. At some point, it almost seemed as if all the animals had vanished. Can anyone tell me where all the elephants have gone? Cause I’d really like to know… 
Enjoy your “virtual” safari!
- First animal of the day: had to be the elegant impala!
Pilanesberg Center
Time for a mid-day snack at the park’s restaurant!
- Local visitors…
- Friendly warthog at the nearby waterhole!
- Dark-capped bulbul!
- Don’t you dare approach my chips, dear friend!
Afternoon Game Drive
- Highlight of the day: a white rhino!
Then, not much…where have you guys all gone?
Rathlogo Waterhole
Totally recommended!
Great way to watch animals unnoticed!
What’s Next???
YEAH, a giraffe!
Common waterbuck!
My favourite: a yawning hippo!
We almost drove over it!
Female waterbuck (no horns)!
No leopards to be seen, but we sure did encounter a "leopard tortoise"!
Have finally found you, Mr. elephant! What took you so long...?
Although the lack of light is apparent, still love the atmosphere of this pic!
Enjoying some freshly grown grass!
En garde!
Ain't no leaflet high enough!
Always refreshing in the heat of the sun!
Baby Corner
In Southern Africa, most animal species give birth to their young during the rainy season. It was such a delight to see so many youngsters wandering about!
Baby impala!
Its pajama is all creased up!
Young red hartebeest!
Just for Fun!
That FEELS GOOD! Thanks darling!
Is it not possible to get some privacy in here?!
Down it goes!
Did you know elephants had "five" feet?
It's what one calls natural sunscreen!
Life couldn't be better!
Curious francolin!
Manyane Resort
A couple of pictures of the hotel I stayed in: Manyane Resort!
Positives:
- Relatively affordable (+/- R1400 for a double room chalet).
- Decent accommodation.
- Only two minutes away from the Manyane entrance gate.
Negatives:
- Not a bush lodge: in other words, the facilities are outside the park. Game is present nevertheless, and the hotel is visited on a daily basis by wildife. Impalas are plentiful, and I also bumped into warthogs and kudu on a couple of occasions.
- The cooking is ok, but could definitely be improved upon.
Manyane pool area!
Outside the local restaurant!
Night visitors!
Bakubung Hotel
Very beautiful hotel, great food and a stunning view overlooking a waterhole and the Pilanesberg valley below. Expect to pay at least R2400 for a single (per room, per night), and R3400 for a double.
The main terrace and restaurant view!
The lawns!
Pilanesberg valley overview!
Wild animals ahead!
Swimming area!
Tags: African wildlife, Pilanesberg National Park, safari, wildlife photography
Hi Michael,
Saw you nearly drove over a chameleon. Well I did drive over one unfortunately in Botswana last week. I wrote a post about reptiles on roads for @CandyWWGM and it should be live soon on http://www.SaveTheReptiles.com
Yeah I did, and a leopard tortoise almost got under my tire as well!
Will have a look at your blog post, thanks for the info!
Michael
Hey Mike,
Thanks for all the pictures, glad to see the shots of the young animals. I think that early december is one of my favourite times in the bush because of all the young animals and the new life that comes with the rain. Have a look at http://blog.londolozi.com/2009/12/the-soothing-sweep-of-life/ to get an idea of how things look at Londolozi at the moment.
Rich
Hi Rich,
Glad you enjoyed the pictures.
Had a look at your video, looks pretty good well done! Have decided to include it below, hope you don't mind…
Keep well,
Mike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qOnZWjt1kM
Thank you for sharing your video – enjoyed it
Lightning shots are fantastic as well!
Hi Michael
Love the photos – Beautiful!
I noticed you wrote 'friendly' warthog – serious?
It's great that you included accomodations as well. That's always a helpful tip.
Thanks for sharing